The Weekly Blog

Princeton football, Week 2

Princeton (0-1) vs. Lehigh (1-1)

Sept. 27, 6 p.m. — Princeton Stadium, Princeton, N.J.

By Eric Dodds ’10

History

Princeton holds a 37-12-2 all-time record against Lehigh. Over the last five years, however, Lehigh holds the advantage and has won two of the last three games against the Tigers. Most recently, the Mountain Hawks defeated Princeton 32-21 at Princeton Stadium in the Tigers’ first game last season. Princeton committed five first-half turnovers in that game as Lehigh jumped out to a 23-0 lead at halftime. Despite Princeton’s second-half rally, the Orange and Black were unable to overcome the deficit. Lehigh went on to finish the season 5-6.

This year

Saturday’s game is Princeton’s home opener. Last weekend, the Tigers fell to The Citadel 37-26 in their first game of the season. Lehigh (1-1) defeated Drake 19-0 in its season opener and lost to No. 21 Villanova 33-14 Sept. 13.

Players to watch

Princeton quarterback Brian Anderson ’09

Anderson, making just his second collegiate start, passed for 206 yards and ran for 56 in the Tigers’ 37-26 loss at The Citadel. Following in the footsteps of previous Princeton quarterbacks known for their mobility, including Bill Foran ’08 and Jeff Terrell ’07, Anderson had the Tigers’ longest run, a 26-yard dash early in the game. The senior also threw two touchdowns, one to Matt Zimmerman ’11 and the other to tri-captain Adam Berry ’09.

Lehigh senior outside linebacker and captain Tim Diamond

Diamond, an All-American honorable mention last year, became the first Lehigh player to record over 100 tackles since 2004, when he notched 107 in 2007. The New Jersey native recorded 14 tackles against Villanova in Lehigh’s last game. Princeton wide receivers coach Scott Sallach acknowledged that Diamond could provide the Tigers with some difficulties. “He makes a million plays at lineback,” Sallach said. “He was everywhere on that field against Villanova.”

Roster notes

Outside linebacker John Callahan ’10 is expected to return to the Princeton defense against Lehigh after missing last Saturday’s game against the Citadel due to a family situation. Jeff Jackson ’10 replaced Callahan, recording 1.5 tackles, and Cody Stevens ’11 also played a large role, collecting eight tackles. Stevens was named the Tigers’ player of the game.

Final quote

“I don’t think anyone says we’re going to go into a game with Lehigh and dominate them. Obviously you’d like to try to, though.”